This introductory episode exposes the declining health of the 6th largest lake in the United States, and the future of the watershed communities of Vermont, New York and Quebec. The blue-green algae blooms overrunning Lake Champlain, and other lakes around the country are the most visible symptom of ecosystems in decline, and the end-point of a failing dairy industry, ill-planned development, and aging wastewater treatment systems. Citizens express their anger surrounding this persistent problem, and solutions are introduced